San Polino, Italy

Using Luigi's scientific experience of mapping the Amazon rainforest they decided to try their hands at "creating wines as complete reflections of the biodiversity of their terroir" Katia explains. This tiny estate of only 4 hectares now produces luscious and balanced wines farmed bio-dynamically by this energetic couple who, it is clear, pour all their heart and energies into these sublime wines. Praised by critics and peers they have been described as having "an incredible clarity and pureness of fruit that is unequalled in the region".

Viticulture

Using a variety of organic agricultural techniques, they farm 8 hectares of Sangiovese vineyards which lie on 3 different plots at 450, 350 and 250 metres in altitude to the north of Montalcino. The geology and soils of the vineyards vary from late Miocene to early Pliocine, from ancient sea beds to volcanic soils. Limey shale, clay, sandy loam, mineral rocks are all found in different proportions in the different vineyards ; and each soil type and altitude tells its story in the characteristics and personality of the grapes and wine. They have an holistic approach to viticulture believing that they must respect and encourage all biodiversity possible in the vineyard, as the larger the pool of diversity, the greater possibility for natural pest control and the healthier the grapes. To fertilise the fields they produce their own compost using the stalks of the grape bunches, the pressed grape skins, all the green cuttings, from grass to prunings and animal dung. Grasses and beans are planted to add nitrogen and nutrients to the soil.